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In the lead-up to winter, Australians have shared their thoughts on cosy relationships

An online poll of Australian men and women by online dating website Match.com has found that the best part about being in a relationship is the regular sex and intimacy.

According to the 779 Australians polled, the second best part about being in a relationship is being able to rely on your partner when times are tough. Being in love came a close third.

International Match.com relationship expert and Biological Anthropologist Dr Helen Fisher said of the findings, our relationship with our partner has gradually become the most important one in our lives – over any other familial connection – and that it is inextricably bound to trust.

“Many around the world now regard their relationship with a partner as more important than any familial relationship. They have come to regard love, communication and companionship as central to this primary partnership. Sex and intimacy is the glue that holds this partnership together,” said Dr Helen Fisher.

“The standard definition of intimacy is the ability to trust a partner emotionally and sexually – and the ability to safely share one’s secrets and very personal issues with a partner. This is an essential component of a modern-day relationship, and it’s not surprising that it’s come above relying on your partner or being in love. These days, many of us are self-reliant and we are realistic about love,” said Dr Helen Fisher.

RESULTS: What’s the best part about being in a relationship?

• Enjoying regular sex and intimacy – 30%
• Being able to rely on your partner when times are tough – 24%
• Being in love – 23%
• Having someone to spend down time with – 18%
• Having a busier social schedule – 3%
• Sharing the bills, cooking and washing – 2%

Australian Match.com members, from a database of 1.8 million, have provided further insight into the significance of intimacy in their relationships, with 98 per cent saying they find it important to share very personal matters with their partners. Another 91 per cent highly value deep emotional intimacy in their relationships while 96 per cent say sex is an essential part of a relationship.

Australians love comfort – especially in winter!

Figures show the majority of Match.com Australia members prefer to stay in or stay local on the weekends, suggesting a further emphasis on intimacy and comfort. On Saturday nights, nearly 70 per cent of Match.com Australia members like to go to local restaurants, or do stay-in activities such as watching a movie at home.

“These figures suggest that Australians may be more social and more eager to “nest” with a partner, rather than go on adventures to novel places and do things outside their comfort zone,” said Dr Helen Fisher.

Indeed, member statistics show that more than 70 per cent of Australian singles on Match.com are looking for a committed relationship, and of these, three quarters are looking for marriage – or to “nest”, as Dr Helen Fisher suggests.